Automatic car air freshener

Abstract

An automatic car air freshener system is disclosed that is configured to integrate into existing ducting of a vehicle and selectively disperse a measured amount of scent matter into the ducts for dispersion into the cabin of the vehicle. The system includes a storage unit containing a volume of scented matter, a release mechanism in communication with the storage unit, and a control unit in communication with the release mechanism and configured to regulate the dispersion of the scented matter from the storage unit in accordance with the desires of a user. The control unit is an interface for the passenger to regulate scent dispersion. A sensor is also optionally included to monitor air quality from the ambient air.

1 . An air freshener system for a vehicle, comprising:
 a storage unit containing a volume of a scented matter, the scented matter being contained within a removable canister, the canister is located within a cabin of the vehicle;   a release mechanism in communication with the storage unit, the release mechanism routing the scented matter into a vent system of the vehicle through an exit port, the exit port coupled to the vent system; and   a control unit in communication with the release mechanism and configured to regulate the dispersion of scented matter from the storage unit in accordance with the desires of a user, the control unit is located within the cabin of the vehicle and the storage unit is located in an engine compartment of the vehicle, the scented matter being dispersed into the vent system of the vehicle through the exit port in communication with the release mechanism.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the scented matter is at least one of a liquid, a solid, and a gas. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the scented matter is an aerosol. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the control unit is operable by a user. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the user is within a vehicle. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the control unit is configured to receive input from a user so as to regulate the timing of release of scented matter from the storage unit. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the control unit is configured to receive input from a user so as to regulate the potency of scented matter released from the storage unit. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the control unit is configured to receive input from a user so as to regulate the timing of release of scented matter from the storage unit. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the control unit is configured to automatically disperse scented matter according to one or more factors. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the one or more factors is at least one of a receipt of power to the control unit, a predefined interval pattern stored on the control unit, and in response to air quality readings within the ambient air. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the control unit further includes a sensor to obtain air quality data from the ambient air. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the control unit is configured to process the air quality data and selectively regulate the dispersion of scented matter. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the scented matter is distributed through the ambient air via a forced air system, the forced air system incorporated into the vent system. 
     
     
         14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the storage unit includes a plurality of different scented matters, the control unit configured to selectively alternate between the different scented matters for dispersion. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the user is able to selectively nullify a prior scented matter by introducing a subsequent scented matter by manipulating the control unit. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a portable electronic device independent of the control unit, the portable electronic device configured to communicate with the control unit to permit remote user control of scented matter dispersion functions.   
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the scented matter is routed into the vent system prior to a blower motor within the vent system of the vehicle. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the scented matter is routed into the vent system after a blower motor within the vent system of the vehicle. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the scented matter is routed into the vent system directly into a blower motor within the vent system of the vehicle. 
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the scented matter is routed through the vent system and is uniformly disseminated through each interior cabin vent in the vehicle.